October 27, 2014

Hello again everyone! Hopefully y'all are enjoying the fall! I can't wait to have 4 seasons again. Here in Southern AZ there are only 2: Hot, and Really Hot. 

This past week was pretty good. not too much happened as far as teaching people. 

Wednesday we had Zone conference all day. We got flu shots and watched Meet the Mormons. It was fun getting to watch a movie! After the meeting, Elder Cowdell and I had dinner with the stake president and his wife. 

Thursday night we went on splits. I went with Ben Curtis (WML) and Cowdell went with Josh Crosby (Assistant WML). It went well. We were able to see a few less-actives. Brother Curtis and I had a really good discussion about questions and concerns I've been having. He has helped me SO much these past 4 months. I love him. 

Saturday was a really fun day. Got up and went to Catalina state park to help with national make a difference day. We filled holes in the dirt road, cleaned out firepits and horse stalls. and even got to play a little football with the youth out in the field. Then we went home, showered and changed, saw a few people, and got picked up to go to the stake BBQ. There were TONS of people there, with live music, lots of food, bouncy castles, and football. It was really fun! Then we had to help the ZL's go pick up a van and take it to the mission office. Busy day. 

 I think that's about all for this week. So here is the quote! 

 "The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about, and what you value"

    -Unknown 

 I know all of us have things we need to change, Whether big or small, it doesn't matter. change it. I promise you'll receive more knowledge and power than you ever thought possible. Love you all. Keep on keepin on.

 -Elder Taylor Alston 

The Halloween package I got from the Yarborough's

Catalina State Park

October 21, 2014

Weeks are going WAY TOO FAST. I barely have time to finish one weeks email before It's time to write the next! 

This week was a really good one as far as lessons go. We were able to teach about 7 investigator lessons and  5 less active lessons. While going around the ward trying to pump up members to do work. We had 10 active member lessons this week. 

Saturday, we had exchanges, I went with Elder Lahtinen in the YSA 1st ward area. We taught a whole bunch of lessons. And ate lunch out of a pumpkin. haha It was.... strange. I even ate the pumpkin. that probably chopped off 10 years of my life, but oh well. haha We also had a really cool fireside that night. It was one of the missionaries that got kidnapped in Russia that they made a movie about its called the Saratov Approach. He talked about his experience and what he learned. Mostly about living in the moment. 

We had to move Phillip's bap date to November 8th because of stake conf. on the 1st and 2nd. 

We got a new investigator this week too! Dennis. he is the neighbor of a member. We taught him the restoration and gave him a BoM. We went back last night to follow up but He was in bed. He is an older gentleman with some health issues, so I don't blame him. 

Hopefully all is well for Y'all up north, or wherever you are. Just know I love you. and more importantly, So does the Lord. Turn to him when you are struggling, He knows what you need. I promise. 

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

Pope John XXIII

Keep moving forward everyone. We grow more in tribulation than we ever will in the easy times. Never back down! The Lord will carry you. 

Love you all. -Elder Taylor Alston 

I'm such a good companion. I caution taped the bathroom after a nuclear explosion just to keep him safe : )

October 13, 2014

hey everyone. Dont have much time again today. So he is my rundown:

Tuesday we had a pretty good lesson with Heidi, She's just not quite as ready as we'd like. But we'll keep working with her.

Wednesday we had Zone Meeting. It went really well. Then we had a less active lesson and went to dinner with a part member family. It started raining pretty good while we were there so they wouldn't let us bike home. After dinner we played Blokus and then shared a message, Which was super fun. 

Thursday was a pretty slow day. Biking around trying to find people at home. 

Friday we played Racquetball with the usual group. A couple other missionaries and a less active, Then we went and saw a referral and helped him set up for a garage sale. I dont see much teaching happening with him though. But that's alright. It'll happen eventually. 

Saturday we had a lesson with Phillip in the Stake President's home. It was really good! We were able to testify strongly of baptism and the spirit was very present. We set a bap date with him! he is really solid so we are excited. After that lesson, I had to go with a couple other elders to help translate a lesson for them. Their investigators fiance is spanish and knows very little english. It was fun. 

Sunday we had a few less actives at church which was great! It was Zach Blunts farewell! We are really excited for him! he's really ready to go. 

Well I suppose that's about all  I've got for you this week. Here's the weekly quote!! 

Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

Desmond Tutu

 Love you all! keep on keepin on! -Elder Taylor Alston 

October 6, 2014

Happy October everyone. General Conference was good, eh? 

Hopefully Y'all got something out of it. 

The rest of my week wasn't too shabby. Sorry I didn't get to write last week. We were busy helping a couple other missionaries get transferred and then the Douglas's came up from Willcox and hung out with us. 

Wednesday we had District meeting and did our grocery shopping. 

Thursday we went and saw a few members, extending commitments to invite a friend to learn about the restoration. We also found a new investigator named Heidi. She took a Book or Mormon and Loved the plan of salvation. She said we can come back anytime! 

Friday we had an amazing lesson with One of our investigators (Phillip) at our ward mission leaders house! Phillip then came to the priesthood session with us on Saturday at the church! 

Yesterday, we hung out at the Dahl's most of the day watching conference. 

Here is this weeks quote!! 

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

-Buddha

 Remember to get out there and share your light. Love you all!! -Elder Taylor Alston 

September 22, 2014

Buenas tardes todos! This week wasn't all that crazy! We did have to do a training at district meeting about helping others make and keep commitments, and, of course, I used an aviation analogy! haha and Thursday we had the  opportunity to go to the temple! :) I only have 1 more temple trip on my mission! that is insane!!  

Friday we helped someone move in our complex and then went to a baptism way over on the east side of Tucson about an hour away for one of Elder Cowdell's investigators.  The after party was in literally the biggest house I have ever seen. And the food was ridiculously good! Tucson had most definitely grown on me. I love it. It's so beautiful! And the sunsets are crazy beautiful!  

Saturday, we helped Brother Palmer build a dog house and carry it to his backyard. Then Went to dinner. After dinner, we went to David's house. (An investigator we found a couple weeks ago) We invited him to church the following day, but he was going to Safford for the day. 

Sunday we had the primary program, It was so cute seeing all those kids up there. I miss being in primary. haha. 

 I want to start ending every email with a quote that I find every week.... Here is the first one! 

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

Thomas A. Edison

I can testify of that! This ward was going nowhere for a while. But because of the diligence of the members and a little kick in the pants from the missionaries, It is now flourishing and we continue to see success each and every week. 

Love you all, Till next week. 

-Elder Taylor Alston 

sent another rattlesnake to heaven this week...

here is the doghouse we helped with 

sunset

September 15, 2014

So I have good news, and I have bad news. Good news is, I'm emailing. Bad news: It's not going to be much of an email. haha 

Tuesday: we went and hung out with Sister Mcleod for a while just making sure she was doing alright. Helped out around her house, cleaning and stuff. Then went home teaching with one of the members here. 

Wednesday: We had Zone meeting and then went tracting. The second house we came to, a man was out in his garage working on dirtbikes. we got talking about common interests and then the subject of families and Christianity. we ended up giving him a BoM. And he seemed pretty interested in what we had to say. We haven't been able to see him since. but hopefully we can this week! 

Thursday: we tracted into a few potential investigators so hopefully by next week they will turn into investigators! 

Lets see... Oh Saturday we helped Sister Mcleod pack up her truck and moved up to washington to live with family. She gave us all the food in her freezer (A LOT OF FOOD) and her couch (HUGE) So now I wont need to shop for food for a few months. haha 

 Well, Honestly I think that's all I've got for you this week. Sorry! :) have a good one! :Love you all! -Elder Taylor Alston 

result of the rain last Monday

Sweatshirt and hot chocolate! My blood has thinned out way too much. 

I found a donkey!! 

September 8, 2014

Hey everyone. Sorry I'm a little late today. It has been an eventful morning. We got a call this morning from sister Mcleod saying her Husband died, So we rushed over there and we ended up being the first ones there. We stayed there while the paramedics and cops did their thing and then when the Bishop got there, we gave her a blessing of comfort and offered any other service we could do for her. When there was nothing else that we could do, we left. Then on our way here, we can across a car that was stuck in a wash due to serious flooding because of insanely hard rain. Anyway, We jumped out of the car, Ran into the wash and 4 of us push this girl in her car out. It was super cool! the water was basically to my knees and the rain was still comin' down hard. It was amazing to see the gratitude in her eyes. She almost started crying and kept saying over and over, "Thank you so much, You guys saved my life." My response with a smile, was simply, " We are just your friendly neighborhood missionaries doing our duty." 

 

I can't even tell you how much I love service. I love seeing the joy it brings. Sure I got soaked and muddy and cold, But that is no excuse for not helping someone in need. 

 

And with it being "Service month" I have a challenge for each of you. Find someone In need. Pray for an opportunity to serve. and I promise it'll come. And you'll not only bless the lives of those you serve, But you're life will be blessed beyond measure. And if you need a little motivation, read Moroni 7:45-47. 

 

Ok, Now for the rest of my week...

Friday I woke up feelin a little less than healthy, but I thought nothing of it and continued the day. At about 1 in the afternoon, I started getting a fever and that did me in. I had to go back home and sleep. So I slept from about 130 till 7 the next morning. When I woke up, by the goodness and mercy of Heavenly Father, my fever was gone. I didn't feel 100% but I was good enough to go to work. 

we had a ward activity from 10-1 Saturday. that went well and it was a pretty good turn out. We had a booth set up for "SPIRITUAL PREPAREDNESS" as the theme was Emergency preparedness. 

Then at 4 that afternoon we helped out with a move and then Brother Williams took us out to dinner. Then we had a lesson at 8 with a less-active who then came to church yesterday!! It was great to see him so involved and willing to participate in the lessons! hopefully this continues! 

 As far as the rest of the week goes, I wont bore you with the usual "trying to see like 75 people" 

We did do some yard work for a couple members this week though! 

 Well, I think thats about all I've got for this week. Just know I love and pray for you all. get out there and serve! thanks for all you do! 

 Love, Elder Taylor Alston 

Our zone meeting hike

The booth for the ward activity

September 2, 2014

Hey everyone! Sorry I didn't write yesterday. We had nowhere to go because it was labor day! they were all closed! hopefully y'all have had a good week! mine wasn't too bad. here's a rundown

Tuesday: We had Zone conference with Elder Malm of the 70 from 8am-3pm. then we went home, Went to dinner, and had a fireside at 7pm with him again. It was really cool, because it was for the whole Tucson area, I got to see a few families that Elder Peterson and I reactivated back in Los Reales over a year ago. 

Wednesday: We tried to knock out a few more names of that huge list that we have. We set up a few return appointments for this coming week. At one of the doors we knocked on, a lady answered and then we heard in the background, "Who's at the door?" the lady replied to the mystery voice, "It's the Missionaries" and then the Voice said, "Tell 'em we're sick!" haha it was really funny. Kinda one of those "had to be there" moments. 

Thursday: about the same as Wednesday.

Friday: We got a text from Zach Blunt, The kid we have been working with, trying to help him realize he needs to go on a mission. Anyway, he texted us saying that he got his mission call and he wanted us to come over ASAP so he could open it. So we biked as hard and fast as we could to his house. To watch him open it. Well, He is going to Poland and he leave October 15th! crazy! It's awesome to be able to help not only investigators, but to be able to influence members to do the right thing as well! 

Saturday: we helped someone move at 8am then, Went and did yard work for someone at 3pm. then had dinner and tried to visit a few more people. 

Sunday: had a meeting with the stake at 630am. Then church at 1, dinner at 5, and correlation at 7. pretty much a normal sunday. 

Hope everyone is continuing to do well and staying healthy! love you all!  

I love my Saguaro Cactus : )

Zach Blunts mission call!! Sorry I look so gross, that was right after a 10 mile up-hill bike ride

haha, yes

no worries everyone, I found the entrance!! 

frolfing yesterday with Elder Williams 

August 25, 2014

hey everybody! It's pday again. crazy. This past week was super busy trying to see people. We have a list of 120 names that the ward has assigned us to visit. We tried a total of 56 Part Member families/Perspective Elders this week and only contacted about 4. And found out that about 10 of them have moved. But we did set a few return appointments for this next week! haha But I guess that's missionary work, huh? 

 The ward continues to gain respect and trust in us, which is great. Our WML is on fire and wears me out sometimes with all the assignments he gives us. He talked to the bishop and asked if we could give lessons in each auxiliary class on every 1st and 4th Sunday of the month. So life is getting busier each and every week. But busy is good. If there is one thing I've learned, it's to not back down when the going gets tough. Muhammad Ali said "Don't quit, suffer now, and live the rest of your life a champion"  I have used that quote a whole lot in the year and a half I've been out here to keep me going. 

 

Salvador Russo's daughter came to church yesterday so that was really good. We are going to try the back door approach now and try and get the kids more interested, then hopefully Sal and his less-active wife, Alexis, will follow. 

 

 Elder Cowdell is awesome. We get along very well and work great together. We had a total lesson count of 25 this week. Which is the highest number of lessons in a while for this ward. I don't remember if I mentioned Jessie. We tracted into him a couple weeks ago and finally got a hold of him. He said he has been reading the BoM and loves it. We have an appointment with him for Wednesday at 1900! So pray for us. We are going to try and set a bap date with him. 

 How goes the work up there in the 801? Anyone have any cool missionary experiences lately? 

 

 I have to apologize to those who have written me and have not received a reply. I promise I'm not ignoring you, I have a total of about 30 seconds a week to write letters. So for that, I am truly sorry. I do still love you and hope you can understand. 

 We got word that President Passey would like to keep missionaries in their area's for an average of 6 months. So I kinda get the feeling that I will say my goodbyes to the mission in this ward. I am totally fine with that though. I love this ward and the area. And biking isn't so bad now. It just seems like the normal mode of transportation now. 

I love all of you dearly. remember who you are and what you stand for. Remember that just because you don't have a badge doesn't mean you are not a missionary. You are just an under cover agent. They can't see you coming;) 

 

 One more thing... I have come up with my mission "Theme" And that is.. NEVER BACK DOWN.

Took me long enough to find my theme huh? haha anyway. Love you all. 

-Elder Taylor Alston 

we play racquetball every Saturday morning with some members 

August 19, 2014

Well, I really dont remember much of this past week. haha so.. here we go. 

I got to go on exchanges one last time with Elder Peterson( my trainer). he goes home tomorrow. We got to go see a bunch of people we taught in south tucson. it was a really fun day. 

We started working out everyday with Brother Dahl. It's awesome. He has been so willing help us out with anything we need. The work here in the ward has really picked up. the member actually support us very well. And we get between 3 to 7 referrals a week. and a bunch of stories of members sharing the gospel. It's great! 

An update on the missionary who came over last week: He is doing great and happens to be sitting right next to me, happy as ever! Prayer works, I promise! 

lets see... Oh! we have a 21 year old in the ward who just put his papers in. we started reading preach my gospel with him every Tuesday and Thursday. We role play and discuss how to teach it! it's really fun! I remember the missionaries doing that with me when I was at home. It's weird being on the other side of it. haha 

So as you know, It's transfer day, I now am with Elder Cowdell. He is from Alpine, Utah and has been out for about a year. He is pretty quiet but seems really  cool. we get along really well so far.

Well, I think that's about all I've got for this week. Sorry its kinda lame. I'm super tired and cant remember much, Love you all.

-Elder Taylor Alston  

saying goodbye to Elder Maughan

being a Jedi!